Improvement works to Arnold’s Market Place have reached a significant milestone this week when a “topping out” ceremony, which traditionally takes place to mark the last steel beam of a new structure being installed, took place.
Representatives from Gedling Borough Council , the sites Developers, G F Tomlinson, the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Meredith Lawrence and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, attended with Tom Goshawk, D2N2’s interim Head of Place.
For the first time, the complete structure of the building is visible, giving an idea of the scale as construction moves on to the next phase – which includes brickwork, stairs, floors, windows and the installation of the building’s roof.
Gedling Borough Council acquired the market site in summer 2018 – funded by a successful bid of £1.25m from the LEP’s Local Growth Fund.
Construction work has been funded by the council’s capital programme budget and has continued throughout the pandemic, to ensure the regeneration of the town centre progresses.
The existing market has moved temporarily to nearby Eagle Square to allow traders to continue to operate while the works are carried out.
The new two-story landmark building, located between the existing Methodist Church and King George V Park, will frame the market place as well as creating a new eastern gateway into Arnold Town Centre.
A new public space will also be created in front of the building as a central focal point for the market and the building will provide seven small outlets for local independent businesses with an additional space above, which could be used for a variety of commercial options.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, said: “It’s so exciting to see the site taking shape, it’s really starting to come together.
“The development will bring so much to the area, it’s already created a number of jobs through the construction and the new outlets right at the heart of the market will be a draw for local business.
“A priority for the council is to create thriving and vibrant town centres and this development really does lay the foundations for some exciting opportunities for the town centre and beyond.”
The building is on schedule and due to be completed by spring 2022.
